Cool uses for old toys

Michelle Maffei is a freelance copywriter covering a variety of topics both online and in print, from parenting to beauty and more. Combining her two favorite loves, writing and motherhood, she has found joy in even the most challenging ...

Turn toys into useful decor

Kids go through toys just as fast as they go through clean socks, but tossing discarded playthings in the garbage isn't the only option when you learn how to recycle toys. From Legos coasters to dinosaur toothbrush holders, discover cool uses for old toys.

Legos coaster

Stepping on plastic building blocks with your bare feet may have you wanting to chuck them all into the trash can. But, before you boil over, find out how to put loose Legos to good use as coasters!

Old toy dump truck planter

You won't have to part ways with your child's favorite toy dump truck when you turn this old toy into a new planter for flowers, plants and shrubs! And, if you're adverse to filling up the dump truck with dirt, opt for a low pot to make it easy to swap out your greenery as needed.

What you'll need:

Large metal dump truck toy

Potting soil

Plant

Rocks (optional)

What you'll do:

To improve drainage, you can opt to add rocks to the bottom of your dump truck. Or, skip straight to filling the old toy dump truck's bed with potting soil.

Arrange your plants, flowers or shrubs in the potting soil and water.

Now your old toy truck is ready to roll into place and spruce up your yard or patio!

Dinosaur toy toothbrush holder

Both playful and functional, learning how to recycle old toy dinosaurs into a clever way to display your children's toothbrushes keeps castaway knickknacks out of landfills and adorning a kids' bathroom in a snap.

What you'll need:

Large plastic dinosaur toy

Drill

Toothbrush

What you'll do:

Use your drill to create a large hole through the top and the bottom of your old dinosaur toy's back. Aim to create a hole about the size of your child's toothbrush.

Brush out the plastic "saw dust," insert your child's tooth brush and voila! You've created a one-of-a-kind toothbrush holder and upcycled your kiddo's old toys at the same time.